UAE renews commitment to eliminate international terrorism

CAIRO – 29 July 2017: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Friday renewed to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly its commitment to eliminate international terrorism.

UAE praised, in a statement delivered by Ahmed Al-Mahmoud Charge d’Affaires at the Permanent Mission of the UAE to UN, the UN approach to combat terrorism including the establishment of a new UN Office of Counter-Terrorism. Al-Mahmoud highlighted that this office will enhance international cooperation among UN member states to prevent extremism and combat terrorism by sharing best practices and relevant experiences.

He urged the Office to ensure a balanced implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, focusing on preventative measures and meaningful participation of women and youth to protect them from falling to extremist groups.

"The UAE firmly believes that the empowerment of women is a key counter measure in challenging violent extremist narratives and groups", said Al-Mahmoud

Furthermore, during the General Assembly meeting the UAE presented its experience in combating terrorist groups including the Islamic State (IS) through efficient participation in the Global Coalition Against (IS), and within the UAE capacity as a co-chair of the Coalition’s Counter-Messaging Working Group.

The statement highlighted UAE contribution of $350,000 to the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre, UNCCT, to assist states in implementing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Al-Mahmoud brought other examples including supporting the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UNWomen) to integrate gender throughout counter-terrorism frameworks. He also mentioned the “Sawab Center”, which was established by the UAE in collaboration with the U.S. to combat extremist messages through social media.

In May 2017, during the Arab-Islamic-American Summit it Riyadh more than 55 Arab and Muslim countries including the UAE, and the US, committed to strengthening cooperation and improving coordination to counter extremism and achieve international security and stability.

On June 5, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt and Bahrain severed diplomatic ties with Qatar on charges of funding terrorist groups and supporting extremists. The countries closed airspace and maritime ports to Doha transportation.